Ian Maatsen

[eamonn]

He's a bit headless chicken at times and when up against a winger or full back with pace, his main asset is neutered.

Like Buendia, his small stature can also be an issue when he's physically dominated by opponents.

[brontebilly]

I wanted him back in the team weeks ago. After his last two league starts I can see why Emery dropped him.

[tomd2103]

I think circumstances have a bit of a part to play, but Maatsen has gone backwards a bit lately. There was a point where I thought Unai was transitioning Maatsen to be the starting left back, but that’s definitely paused for a bit. He’s got loads of talent, but he needs to make sure he doesn’t stall.

Yeah, he hasn't pushed on like I hoped he would.

Definitely looked that way towards the end of last season and he looked like he was really pushing on, but I agree that he hasn't progressed this season.  Still looks very vulnerable defensively at times, particularly in terms of knowing where the winger is behind him.

[john2710]

He's not a great defender, gets caught out in most games. Can't see him as our first choice left back when Digne goes.

[Brend'Watkins]

I’ve seen two Villa players run the ball out of play when composure was required, both of them were this chap. He’s was dreadful today.

[KRS]

His attempt at summoning his inner Paul Gascoigne at Burnley was quite funny…another facepalm to add to his collection of wild shots.

[ChicagoLion]

He has had a couple of decent games for us but has been consistently underwhelming.

[The Edge]

He had a stinker yesterday. His last couple of appearances have been very poor. He looks disinterested and his games have been half arsed. His attempts at closing down that Burnley winger yesterday were laughable. At times he was 3 or 4 yards away from him with his arms behind his back allowing the striker all the time in the world to pick out a cross. I believe he's on a long contract so he's not going anywhere any time soon. Massive improvement needed from him next season or we're stuck with another large wage bill for a player who isn't worth it.

[Brend'Watkins]

‘Hannibal’ was the winger. He had the run on Maatsen and Maatsen is supposedly fast. From stop start he’s not fast at all.

[aj2k77]

Sell.

[Olneythelonely]

‘Hannibal’ was the winger. He had the run on Maatsen and Maatsen is supposedly fast. From stop start he’s not fast at all.

It wasn’t Hannibal that kept beating him, it was Tchaouna. Who also isn’t particularly quick. It’s definitely an issue with acceleration, in the second have Maatsen breezed past him a couple of times, whilst at full pelt.

[Ger Regan]

Options at both full back positions would be areas I'd focus on this summer

[Brend'Watkins]

‘Hannibal’ was the winger. He had the run on Maatsen and Maatsen is supposedly fast. From stop start he’s not fast at all.

It wasn’t Hannibal that kept beating him, it was Tchaouna. Who also isn’t particularly quick. It’s definitely an issue with acceleration, in the second have Maatsen breezed past him a couple of times, whilst at full pelt.

The two times I first noticed it was Hannibal swishing past him.

[eamonn]

The "hands behind his back" shit when it's unnecessary must have been something he learned out forrin.

[RamboandBruno]

He is quick, but lately it seems thats all he’s got. Thinking back to Una’s first season, Moreno was a far better player defensively and offensively before his bad injury at Anfield (which he got with a brilliant piece of defending).
He needs to step up quickly next season, or we’ll be looking for yet another left back.